Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias Overview

Watch ▶Supraventricular arrhythmias: Pathology review

SVT Overview

Atrial origin

AV node origin

Atrial Fibrillation

General

• Ectopic atrial rhythm commonly originating near pulmonary veins.
• Atrial rate around 400 bpm, with variable AV nodal conduction resulting in a ventricular rate of 75-125 bpm.
• Can be paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent
  • All require anticoagulation if valvular or CHA2DS2VA score 2+

Risk Factors

• Age > 80
• Hypertension (Most common comorbidity)
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Atrial abnormalities (heart failure, valvular disease)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Can be triggered by alcohol, increased catecholamines (infection, surgery, pain).

Clinical Presentation

• Asymptomatic or symptomatic (palpitations, presyncope, dyspnea).

Diagnosis